First Jeanette L. Collesano Memorial Scholarship awarded

Press Release

The family and friends of Jeanette Collesano are pleased to announce the winners of the first annual Jeanette L. Collesano Memorial Scholarship.

Jeanette passed away unexpectedly in February 2023. Jeanette’s good friend, Carol Jacobs, created and organized the scholarship to honor Jeanette and her many years of community service in the Lewiston area.

For the last 26 years of her career, Jeanette was the director of the Town of Lewiston Senior Center where she not only planned events and oversaw the operation of the site, but also gave her whole heart to the seniors whom she worked for every day.

Jeanette was also a longtime volunteer and associate of the Lewiston Kiwanis and she co-chaired the annual Peach Queen Pageant. She touched the hearts of everyone she came into contact with at the pageant, and was a role model for many.

Jeanette was fiercely loyal to her family, friends and community, and was always available to lend a hand where needed. With that in mind, Jeanette’s family and friends wanted to honor her through an annual $1,000 scholarship, by awarding a student who demonstrates and exemplifies the same passion and commitment to their community, and devotion to service.

The scholarship committee was thrilled to receive so many applications from Lewiston-Porter’s Class of 2024, and truly each and every applicant was in their own way deserving of the award. The committee was thrilled to announce that there would be two $1,000 winners.

Congratulations to the two recipients of the Jeanette L. Collesano Memorial Scholarship for 2024, both of whom showed they, too, have a deep sense of commitment to their community and devotion to service: Elina Kunik, who will be attending Charleston Southern University, and Yusuf Huzmeli, who will be attending Niagara University.

The family and friends of Jeanette wish you both the very best in your future endeavors!